How does psoriasis begin: symptoms and signs of the disease. The first symptoms and causes of psoriasis Psoriasis on the abdomen initial stage

In this article, we will describe in detail the causes of psoriasis. Knowing them is extremely important, because it is by getting rid of the causes of the disease that one can achieve recovery.

We will look at the causes of psoriasis using scientific evidence and medical research data. But we will be interested not only in the theoretical side of the issue. First of all, the practical applicability of this information is important for us.

Our goal is to help you determine the causes of psoriasis in your particular case. And, therefore, to understand, by influencing what factors, you can achieve an improvement in your condition and recovery.

There are different points of view on what psoriasis is. Anyway

Psoriasis occurs as a result of exposure to various external and internal causes.

The disease manifests itself if the combination of external factors and internal mechanisms exceeds a certain individual threshold. As a result, autoimmune processes are activated in the body (an immune reaction against its own cells) and characteristic manifestations of the disease occur.

• External causes are lifestyle and environmental factors that provoke the onset of psoriasis or lead to its exacerbation.
• The main intrinsic cause of psoriasis is a genetic predisposition. These are the genes we inherit from our parents. Genes determine the innate properties of the body, which are also involved in the development of psoriasis. These include, for example, features of hormonal metabolism or the body's immune system.

There is no one single reason for the development of psoriasis. Disease occurs as a result of a combination of internal and many external causes.

Approaches to psoriasis: eliminate symptoms or causes?

Consider possible approaches to the problem of psoriasis.

It is extremely difficult to eliminate the internal causes of psoriasis, since medicine has not yet learned how to influence the patient's genes.

At the same time, the external causes of psoriasis can be eliminated. It is thanks to the impact on them that it is possible to achieve a stable remission. That is why it is so important to pay attention to them.

All external causes of psoriasis are united by two important factors:

• the influence of these external causes on the development of psoriasis is scientifically confirmed;
• the impact on external causes is devoid of adverse effects and has many advantages.

Therefore, the elimination of external causes that led to the appearance of psoriasis is the most effective and at the same time the safest way to get rid of the disease.

Benefits of Dealing with External Causes of Psoriasis

Consider the benefits of exposure to external factors leading to disease:

• stable result: due to the elimination of external causes due to which psoriasis arose, a stable remission of the disease is achieved;
• medicines are not used;
• there are no complications and side effects that occur due to drugs;
• there is no addiction to therapy, as happens with drugs, when in order to obtain a previously achieved effect, it is necessary to increase their dosage;
• no need to go to the hospital;
• does not require large financial costs, on the contrary, money and time are saved;
• there is a general healing effect.

The key aspects of working with external causes are to identify provocateurs in your particular case and eliminate them.

Problems of the medical approach to psoriasis

Official medicine is mainly focused not on eliminating the causes, but on a quick impact on the manifestations of the disease.

But, unfortunately, this approach has its drawbacks and helps only temporarily. In addition, it often leads to side effects, and after the cessation of exposure, psoriasis returns or even worsens.

Both doctors and patients often do not pay due attention to the external causes of the disease.

For this, patients have their own reasons:

• Eliminating the external causes of psoriasis will require completely different efforts from the patient. After all, it is much easier to take a pill than to follow a diet, give up alcohol or quit smoking.
• Patients are not aware of all the disadvantages of drugs.
• Patients do not understand that with the help of drugs only the external manifestations of the disease can be eliminated, and then only for a while.
• Patients are not aware of effective alternative methods.

Also, doctors have their own reasons to eliminate not the external causes of psoriasis, but only its external manifestations:

• Such an approach would also require other efforts from the specialist. After all, it is much easier and faster for a doctor to write a prescription for a hormonal ointment than to convince the patient to eat right, stop smoking and learn how to cope with stress.
• Doctors are overloaded with work: they have a large flow of patients and limited time to see one patient.
• Doctors, as a rule, are not told about the external causes of psoriasis in universities and educational courses, paying attention mainly to the use of pills and hormonal ointments.

Thus, official medicine is still mainly focused only on the elimination of external manifestations of psoriasis. Therefore, it is important for patients to independently take steps in working with external causes.

Impact on external causes does not require drugs. Therefore, it does not entail the difficulties that arise when trying to get rid of the manifestations of psoriasis with the help of drugs. And at the same time, the elimination of external causes can lead to a stable remission.

Because it is important to address the external causes of psoriasis in the first place, in this article we will focus on the external triggers and only briefly look at the internal ones.

IMPORTANT CONCLUSIONS AND WHAT TO DO

• Psoriasis manifests itself as a result of exposure to internal and external causes.
• It is almost impossible to influence the internal causes of psoriasis.
• External causes of psoriasis can be eliminated.
• Working with external causes can lead to persistent remission of psoriasis.
• Impact on external causes is devoid of disadvantages and has many advantages.
• The approach of official medicine allows only temporarily eliminating the manifestations of psoriasis. However, this can lead to side effects, and after the withdrawal of exposure, psoriasis reappears.
• The best way to get rid of psoriasis is to identify its external causes in your particular case and eliminate them.

External causes of psoriasis

The main external causes leading to the occurrence of psoriasis include the following. Skin injuries, malnutrition, stress, alcohol, tobacco, infections, and the use of certain drugs.

Below we consider each of these main external factors that provoke the onset or exacerbation of psoriasis.

Skin injury

Psoriasis is directly related to skin damage.

Injury can provoke an exacerbation or the appearance of new rashes where they were not there before.

This phenomenon is called the Koebner reaction.

Any damage to the skin can lead to this reaction. For example, cuts, insect bites, skin infections, surgery, tattoos.

IMPORTANT CONCLUSIONS and WHAT TO DO:
SKIN INJURIES

Take care and protect your skin!

• Use products to moisturize and nourish it.
• Be careful with household chemicals: always use gloves when working, especially if you suffer from allergies.
• Sunburn is also an injury, in no case do not burn in the sun.
• Deal with skin problems of an infectious nature. Maintain hygiene.
• Do not tease cats and dogs, they may scratch or bite.
• Before getting a tattoo or piercing, weigh the pros and cons.

Diet, obesity and leaky gut

There are two points of view on the relationship between the patient's nutrition, the state of his gastrointestinal tract and psoriasis. One is the point of view of official medicine, the other is the point of view of alternative, or alternative, medicine.

The point of view of official medicine

Official medical science almost does not study the direct impact of nutrition and the state of the digestive system on the onset and development of psoriasis. And at the same time, he considers such a connection unproven. Few scientific articles have been published on this topic. Perhaps this is due to the prevailing practice in mainstream medicine of solving problems with drugs, rather than natural methods and prevention.

However, the association between being overweight and the severity and susceptibility of psoriasis to standard therapy has been extensively researched.

Psoriasis is often associated with obesity

It was found that

among patients with psoriasis, obesity is common: 1.7 times more common than among people without psoriasis.

For example, in one clinical study among 10,000 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis, the body mass index was 30.6 kg/m 2 on average (grade 1 obesity starts at 30).

Also, the severity of psoriasis is directly related to the frequency of obesity:

• With a mild form of psoriasis - with a lesion<2% кожи — ожирение встречалось у 14% больных.
• With moderate psoriasis - from 3 to 10% of the skin is affected - in 34% of patients.
• In severe psoriasis—>10% of the skin affected—obesity occurred in 66% of cases.

In children, the same pattern was found: the more severe the psoriasis, the more often obesity occurs.

Interaction between obesity and psoriasis

There is a two-way relationship between psoriasis and being overweight.

On the one hand, obesity itself is a factor that increases the risk of developing psoriasis. For example, the relative risk of developing psoriasis in girls aged 18 with a body mass index of more than 30 (from 30 obesity of the 1st degree begins) is 1.7 times higher than in girls of the same age with a body mass index of 21 to 22.9 (normal weight bodies).

On the other hand, psoriasis as a psychosocial problem itself can lead to weight gain due to the “jamming” of the problem.

Excess weight reduces the effectiveness of the impact on psoriasis

Scientists have found an inverse relationship between obesity and the outcome of standard and biological therapies: their effectiveness in obese patients was lower. For example, this has been found with ustekinumab.

And with weight loss, susceptibility, for example, to Cyclosporine, on the contrary, improved.

Low-calorie diet and weight loss relieve psoriasis

It is believed that the increased permeability of the intestinal wall can also lead to the development of other diseases, including autoimmune diseases. For example, to rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, autism and others.

Official science recognizes the presence of such a pathology as increased intestinal permeability. However, the fact that the "leaky gut syndrome" directly causes the diseases listed above is considered unproven. And he regards all the arguments on this score as a way to increase sales of probiotics, nutritional supplements, herbal remedies and the like, the effectiveness of which has not been studied and also not proven.

Causes of Leaky Gut Syndrome

The very occurrence of leaky gut syndrome is provoked by:

• irrational or unhealthy diet:
  • alcohol,
  • caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks, etc.)
  • fast food and semi-finished products containing preservatives, dyes, flavorings, etc.,
  • foods high in sugar, fat, white flour, gluten, and the like;
• certain types of products - nightshade, which include, for example, tomatoes and potatoes;
• dysbacteriosis, including due to the irrational use of antibiotics;
• insufficient water intake (the norm for a person weighing 70 kg is at least 2 liters of clean water per day);
• chronic constipation;
• stress;
• heredity;
• diseases of the spine with displacement of the vertebrae and infringement of the nerves leading to the intestines.

How to Repair a Leaky Gut

The main method of recovery is to stop eating food containing potential.

Thanks to this, the barrier function of the intestine will quickly recover.

Official medicine considers this method unproven. However, she also acknowledges that normalization of weight has a positive effect on skin condition. A low-calorie, but complete diet is an important condition for defeating psoriasis.

The study is the subject of the only review study published in a scientific journal in 2017. According to this study, it is important to avoid foods that trigger psoriasis. And at the same time, bring plenty of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables into the diet, preferring organically grown foods. Take probiotics, vitamin D, OMEGA-3 fatty acids and follow special diets.

Possible Difficulties in Repairing a Leaky Gut

Elimination of leaky gut syndrome can be accompanied by some difficulties. However, they are mostly psychological in nature and are largely related to our unwillingness to limit ourselves in the usual way of eating and change food preferences. In addition, you may encounter misunderstanding and lack of support from relatives, friends and doctors who do not know and do not understand this approach.

In these cases, it is important to remember that avoiding unhealthy foods will go a long way in resolving psoriasis problems. You can help yourself by developing the determination to follow your chosen diet until you recover.

IMPORTANT CONCLUSIONS and WHAT TO DO:
OBESITY, NUTRITION, AND A LEAKY GUN

• What we eat is directly related to the condition of our skin.
• By following a therapeutic diet and some additional conditions, you can completely get rid of psoriasis.
• Not only to get rid of psoriasis, but also to normalize weight and metabolism will help a full-fledged low-calorie - vegan diet, paleo diet or Pegano diet.
• Avoid psoriasis-provoking foods, processed foods, fast food, baked goods, and sugary sodas.
• Make sure that there is no lack of vitamins and trace elements, if necessary, take them additionally.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables, drink more plain water.

Stress

The occurrence of psoriasis on the nerves is confirmed by scientific data. Moreover, stress can become both a cause of the development of psoriasis and its consequence.

Back in the 70s of the last century, it was found that stress preceded the exacerbation of psoriasis in 40% of patients. Also, more than 60% of patients believe that stress has become the main reason for its development.

In another study of 5,000 patients

40% of those surveyed reported that psoriasis first appeared on the background of anxiety. And 37% noted its aggravation against this background.

In children, the recurrence of psoriasis in 90% of cases is associated with previous stress.

IMPORTANT CONCLUSIONS and WHAT TO DO:
STRESS

• Psoriasis is triggered by stress and generates stress itself.
• Find relaxation and stress management techniques that work for you.
• Opt for natural ways to deal with stress: yoga, meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy, walking, and physical activity.
• To relieve stress, do not resort to various harmful substances, such as alcohol, tobacco, as well as excessive and unhealthy food. Firstly, they themselves can provoke psoriasis, and secondly, they lead to additional health problems.
• In severe depression, it is imperative to seek the advice of a doctor and strictly adhere to the medication prescribed by him.

Alcohol

There is a strong direct relationship between alcohol and the risk of developing psoriasis.

However, the mechanism of the relationship between psoriasis and alcohol has not been fully elucidated. Alcohol increases the toxic load on the liver. Because of this, the skin takes over part of the function of removing toxins.

Also, alcohol leads to metabolic disorders: insufficient absorption of proteins, vitamins and trace elements. This deprives the body, including the skin, of its normal ability to recover.

Scientific evidence confirms that among those suffering from psoriasis, alcohol consumption is more common than among healthy people. Also, with alcohol abuse, psoriasis loses its seasonality and proceeds in a more severe form. This increases the area of ​​the affected skin up to the development of psoriatic erythroderma.

Also often psoriasis occurs in patients with alcoholic liver disease - hepatitis or cirrhosis.

IMPORTANT CONCLUSIONS and WHAT TO DO:
ALCOHOL

• The more often and in greater quantities the patient consumes alcohol, the more active and severe the manifestations of psoriasis.
• The best possible solution is to give up all types of alcohol completely.
• If it is not possible to completely give up alcohol, try to reduce its use to a minimum. However, it should be borne in mind that each use of alcohol can provoke an exacerbation.

Smoking

The greater prevalence of psoriasis among smokers compared to non-smokers is undeniable.

The risk of developing psoriasis and its severity in smokers is significantly higher than in non-smokers ="">

Smokers are much more likely to develop psoriasis than non-smokers.

It has been proven that:

• Those who smoke from 1 to 14 cigarettes per day have a 1.8-fold increased risk;
• From 15 to 24 cigarettes per day - 2 times;
• From 25 cigarettes and more - 2.3 times.

Smoking also directly affects the severity of psoriasis and increases the risk of developing psoriatic arthritis.

Those who quit smoking have a 1.4 times higher risk of developing psoriasis than non-smokers. However, it gradually decreases with an increase in the duration of smoking cessation. And after 20 years, the risks for quitters and never smokers become equal.

IMPORTANT CONCLUSIONS and WHAT TO DO:
SMOKING

• Smoking and psoriasis are mutually supportive phenomena, because for some smoking helps to cope with the psychological problems that accompany psoriasis.
• Unfortunately, quitting smoking is just as difficult as quitting alcohol. But the data of scientific research convince that it is necessary to do this.

infections

Psoriasis is not an infectious disease and. However, infections often provoke the appearance of psoriasis or cause its exacerbation.

This has been confirmed by many studies.

Streptococcus

Streptococcus is a bacterium that lives in the mouth and nose. It is one of the most common causes of angina (inflammation of the tonsils or acute tonsillitis).

As early as the beginning of the 20th century, a connection was established between guttate psoriasis and tonsillitis, which was confirmed by further research. So, in 85% of patients with guttate psoriasis, antibodies (Antistreptolysin-O) are detected, produced by the immune system to fight streptococcus.

It is believed that streptococcus is responsible for the appearance of point (teardrop-shaped) rashes in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. It also exacerbates other forms of psoriasis, including psoriatic arthritis.

In 63% of patients with psoriasis, a previous streptococcal pharyngitis (sore throat) was detected.

And in half of the children with psoriasis, two weeks after pharyngitis, exacerbation of psoriatic rashes was noted.

Also, the connection between infection and psoriasis confirms the presence of the same immune defense cells (T-lymphocytes) in the tonsils, psoriatic plaques and in the blood of patients with psoriasis.

Why streptococcus provokes psoriasis

Streptococci inside the tonsils are inaccessible to antibiotics and immune system defense mechanisms. Streptococci produce M-protein - a protein similar to the protein of normal skin cells - keratinocytes. Cells of the immune system detect an M-protein-like protein on the surface of keratinocytes and start an immune reaction against their own cells - an autoimmune process.

There is information that the removal of the palatine tonsils (tonsillectomy) and the use of antibiotics can bring a positive effect in the case of guttate psoriasis. But data from different studies are contradictory. Therefore, it is hardly possible to speak unambiguously about the positive effect of removing the tonsils. Tonsil problems are best treated without surgical methods, such as yoga and the lion pose or tempering.

HIV infection

An important provocateur of psoriasis is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, AIDS - the final stage of HIV infection). Among HIV carriers, psoriasis occurs in 5% of cases.

HIV is suspected in a patient if the psoriasis is frequently aggravated and resistant to conventional or biological agents. Also, another signal can serve as a sharp onset of guttate psoriasis.

Other infections

Also, exacerbation of psoriasis can provoke other infections, for example:

• herpes simplex and varicella viruses,
• cytomegalovirus,
• parvovirus B19,
• staphylococci,
• candida,
• helicobacter pylori,
• malassesia,
• Yersinia (may cause psoriatic arthritis).

IMPORTANT CONCLUSIONS and WHAT TO DO:
INFECTIONS

• Don't get cold!
• Treat throat problems with preventive and natural methods such as yoga.
• Protect yourself from potential sources of infection.
• Get fit and move more!
• Live a healthy lifestyle, eat more fruits and vegetables, and take a quality multivitamin.

Medicinal provocateurs

Medicines can lead to the onset of psoriasis or exacerbate it.

Most often, the following drugs can lead to this:

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - used as pain relievers, antipyretics and anti-inflammatory drugs;
• hormonal agents - are used as anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agents;
• beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) - to lower blood pressure;
• tetracyclines - broad-spectrum antibiotics;
• lithium preparations - used in psychiatry to stabilize mood;
• antimalarials - for the prevention and control of malaria;
• interferon alpha (IF-alpha) - an antiviral agent;
• Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors - have an anti-inflammatory immune-suppressing effect. Used for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most commonly prescribed drugs in the world. Some studies have reported an association between them and exacerbation of psoriasis, for example, with the use of indomethacin. Although this relationship was not further confirmed, caution should be exercised with drugs in this group.

Hormonal remedies

The problem of the use of hormonal agents deserves separate consideration. After all, they are often the first drugs prescribed for psoriasis by a doctor.

In this article, we will only briefly touch on some of the adverse effects.

For example, the abrupt withdrawal of these drugs can provoke the development of a pustular form against the background of already existing plaque psoriasis.

An abrupt cessation of the use of corticosteroids - hormones produced by the adrenal cortex - can cause a withdrawal syndrome: an increase in old or the appearance of new foci of psoriasis.

There may also be a rapid decrease in the effect with repeated use of corticosteroids (tachyphylaxis).

Medicines for hypertension

An association between psoriasis and blood pressure lowering drugs, such as beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, has been previously reported. Although later this information was not confirmed, caution should be exercised.

Tetracycline antibiotics

These antibiotics are used for streptococcal infections - one of the factors that provoke psoriasis. Information about the possibility of antibiotics themselves to provoke psoriasis is contradictory. However, for example, the concentration of tetracycline in the area of ​​psoriatic rashes is higher than in intact skin. Also, tetracycline has a photosensitizing effect, that is, it increases the sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet radiation. And this can lead to the appearance of the Koebner phenomenon and the appearance of psoriatic plaques.

Lithium preparations

Lithium salts have been used in psychiatry since the middle of the last century for the prevention and elimination of bipolar disorders and severe depressions refractory to conventional therapy. It is believed that lithium disrupts the maturation (in medical language - differentiation) of skin cells - keratinocytes, which can provoke psoriasis or exacerbate it.

Antimalarial drugs

These drugs interfere with the immune system, which can cause an exacerbation of psoriasis or its primary appearance. Due to the side effects of antimalarial drugs - chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine - inflammation of the skin (dermatitis), discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes, hair loss can develop. With the use of hydroxychloroquine, the development of psoriatic erythroderma, a lesion of more than 90% of the skin, has been reported.

Interferon-alpha

Exacerbation of psoriasis has been frequently reported with the use of interferon-alpha in patients with hepatitis C and multiple sclerosis. Such exacerbations are usually amenable to conventional medical treatments for psoriasis and do not require withdrawal of interferon.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors

Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors - drugs Remicade, Enbrel and Humira - are also prescribed for psoriasis. However, scientific articles describe cases when their use, on the contrary, led to an exacerbation of psoriasis or the appearance of its new foci on previously unaffected skin.

IMPORTANT CONCLUSIONS and WHAT TO DO:
MEDICATIONS

And the sun too?! Photosensitive summer psoriasis

The sun is essential for health. For example, for the synthesis of vitamin D, the lack of which is associated with the development of depression in the northern hemisphere.

In most patients with psoriasis, the skin condition improves with exposure to sunlight.

However, in 5-20% of cases there is a so-called photosensitivity psoriasis, the condition of which worsens under the influence of the sun.

The disease occurs, as a rule, at an early age in families with a pre-existing history of psoriasis and a clear genetic predisposition - this is the so-called type 1 psoriasis. Usually women suffer from it.

Such psoriasis is also called summer psoriasis, as it manifests itself primarily in summer, and subsides in autumn and winter. It was associated with the development of the Koebner effect after sunburn, but this assumption was not confirmed.

Summer psoriasis occurs only when the skin is exposed to broadband ultraviolet type A. At the same time, the appearance of external manifestations of psoriasis takes several days after exposure to sunlight. Apparently, under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, previously hidden violations of susceptibility to the sun appear.

IMPORTANT CONCLUSIONS and WHAT TO DO:
SUN

• Sunbathe gently without burning.
• The UV in commercial tanning beds is not the type of UV needed for psoriasis. Although it can improve the condition of the skin.

Internal causes of psoriasis

The internal causes of psoriasis include genetic predisposition. Genes, in turn, determine the characteristics of immunity and hormonal metabolism, which also affect the occurrence of psoriasis.

We will dwell on the genetic and immune causes of psoriasis in detail in separate articles, but here we will talk about them only briefly.

genetic predisposition

Genetic predisposition is a change in the genes that are observed in psoriasis or contribute to its development.

In 70% of cases of psoriasis in children, it is possible to detect a family history of the disease, that is, the mother or father of the child suffers from psoriasis.

If in a pair of identical twins with the same genes (monozygous twins) one suffers from psoriasis, then the risk of developing the disease in the second is 70%. If twins have half the same genes (dizygotic), the risk is 23%.

No single mutation has been found that would lead to psoriasis in 100% of cases. However, in the 1970s, Finnish researchers first discovered a region on the sixth chromosome (locus) called PSORS1.

This locus was found in 73% of guttate psoriasis and 46% of psoriasis vulgaris. The locus contains several genes associated with the immune system. These genes encode proteins, the increased content of which is found in the skin with psoriasis.

Prospects and problems of the genetic approach

The study of genes should help in understanding the causes of psoriasis and the choice of therapy. Thus, pharmacogenomics, a discipline at the intersection of genetics and pharmacology, explains the difference in the results of using the same methods of therapy in different patients.

This has been proven with coal tar, vitamin D3, ultraviolet light, and immune-suppressing drugs. According to the results of this study, it turned out that patients with different genes reacted differently to the same drugs.

However, genetic analysis explains only 20% of psoriasis cases. Moreover, each of the many genes found is only partially responsible for the risk of developing the disease.

In total, more than 50 chromosome regions (loci) associated with an increased risk of developing psoriasis have been identified.

However, the very mechanism of the influence of genes on the development of psoriasis remains unknown.

Since the relationship between genes and psoriasis was established statistically in the processing of a large number of genetic studies of patients with psoriasis.

Unfortunately, for the real application of pharmacogenomics, there is still not enough verified information, and the results of studies are contradictory. In addition, genetic research methods are still too expensive.

Perhaps in the future, choosing the “right” methods for a particular patient and turning off the “wrong” genes will become commonplace. But for now, this approach is more applicable in scientific research.

Immune pathways for the development of psoriasis

The immune system is a system of organs and cells to protect the body from external pathogens (for example, bacteria, viruses or helminths), as well as from its own cells that have mutated into tumor cells.

Simply explaining how autoimmune inflammation develops in psoriasis is hardly a feasible task. Indeed, this process involves many different types of cells of the immune system (T and B lymphocytes and their many varieties, dendritic cells, etc.), skin cells (keratinocytes) and chemicals that transmit signals between cells (cytokines).

In a nutshell, then

in response to the influence of external provoking factors, excessive activation of the immune system occurs, which ultimately leads to the onset of psoriasis.

It happens like this. Immune cells migrate to the zone of influence of the provoking factor, and inflammation develops in it. The most numerous skin cells - keratinocytes - respond to stimulating signals from the immune system with accelerated division with the formation of psoriatic plaques. Also, keratinocytes produce cytokines, which in turn further stimulate the immune system. In the area of ​​inflammation and thickening of the skin, new blood vessels begin to form. A vicious circle of self-perpetuating inflammation is formed. All this leads to the appearance of reddish and silvery-white plaques raised above the skin - the main manifestation of psoriasis on the skin.

Influence of the hormonal system

Psoriasis can be triggered by changes in the hormonal system of women.

Evidence of this is the frequent appearance of the first manifestations of psoriasis during puberty in girls.

Female sex hormones - estrogens - provocateurs or defenders?

In some women, an increase in the level of female sex hormones - estrogens - provokes the development of psoriasis. This is confirmed by research data on the occurrence of psoriasis at a certain time:

• during puberty in girls due to an increase in estrogen activity,
• when using estrogens as medicines,
• during certain phases of the menstrual cycle, when estrogen levels rise.

Other studies have found that in some women, psoriasis, on the contrary, worsens with the onset of menopause, that is, with a decrease in hormonal activity and a drop in estrogen levels.

Thus, the relationship between the level of female sex hormones and psoriasis can be traced, but not completely unambiguous. Psoriasis can worsen both with an increase in estrogen levels and with its decrease.

Pregnancy and psoriasis

The behavior of psoriasis during pregnancy cannot be predicted.

About a third of pregnant women complain of exacerbation of psoriasis. However, twice as many women experienced an improvement in skin condition during pregnancy. Why skin conditions may improve during pregnancy is not fully understood, but scientists believe it is due to exposure to anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Unfortunately, usually after childbirth, psoriasis returns to its previous state.

CONCLUSION and CONCLUSIONS

• In the fight against psoriasis, special attention should be paid to eliminating its external causes.
• Compared with drugs that suppress the internal mechanisms of psoriasis, the impact on external causes is devoid of adverse effects and has many advantages.
• It is not necessary to act on all causes at once. Learn the main causes of psoriasis, evaluate which ones are especially important in your case and start by eliminating them. But remember that the most positive result will bring the elimination of all external causes.

WHAT TO DO

• Follow your diet and drinking regimen. Give preference to vegetables and fruits, avoiding processed foods, caffeinated drinks, as well as fatty, starchy foods and sweets.
• Protect your skin from injury.
• Give up smoking and alcohol.
• Do not abuse drugs.
• Maintain immunity and prevent infections.
• Find ways to deal with stress that work for you.

Your recovery is in your hands!

• If the article was useful to you, share it with those who can benefit from it too.
  And in the comments to the article, you can share your experience and thereby help other readers.
  Thanks a lot! We appreciate your attention!

The prevalence of skin diseases among the world's population is quite high. One of the most common chronic skin disorders is called psoriasis - average from 2 to 5% (in other studies - from 3 to 7%) of the world's population suffer from this type of dermatosis.

Therefore, it is important to find out whether psoriasis is transmitted from person to person, who is more prone to this skin disorder, how to avoid complications, are there effective ways to treat it with medicines and folk remedies

What it is?

This dermatological disorder significantly reduces the quality of the patient's health, having a detrimental effect on metabolism (a process associated with metabolism) in the body, increases the symptoms of cardiovascular diseases and contributes to depressive states.

Knowing its common name - psoriasis , it is easy to guess what psoriasis looks like: rashes in the form of papules (formations with a smooth shiny surface, the shape resembles a hemisphere, the color is pink) - at an early stage, small, with a pinhead.

Psoriasis: body photo

After a while (several days), the papules are covered with scales, which are easily removed, have a silvery-white tint.

The appearance of the skin of a patient with psoriasis among relatives and others arouses interest, contagious or not psoriasis? According to dermatologists, there is no danger of infection from the patient from others. The carrier of the disease - any microorganisms - is absent. Here, the skin is affected (the upper layers die off) - this is how the body reacts to external stimuli, to physiological dysfunctions during metabolism.

ICD-10 code

Increasing in size, the plaques can merge with each other, turning into a single spot - a "paraffin lake". These spots can spread throughout the body. There is a simple psoriasis on the head, including - in the scalp, along the border, where hair growth ends. After a while (several months), the “lakes” even tend to disappear, leaving a discolored skin. ICD 10 code - L40.0.

Causes

1. Genetics . There is no need to prove whether psoriasis is contagious with a genetic predisposition. The genetic theory of the occurrence of psoriasis speaks only of an increased risk of manifestation of this dermatosis as a result of a hereditary factor in humans.
2. Hormonal imbalance in the body (endocrine theory). Restorative (regenerative) functions of tissues (skin) are lost due to malfunctioning of the endocrine system.
3. Effects infections . During the treatment of infectious diseases, complications may begin that are reflected directly on the skin (infectious theory) - the loss of the skin's ability to function normally after exposure to microorganisms, fungi, etc.
4. Violation metabolism (metabolic functions) of the body: skin disease is initiated by inadequate functioning of the circulatory system, for example, lymphocytes are excessively concentrated on certain areas of the skin. This also includes the disease of diabetes mellitus - it is with it that metabolic processes are significantly distorted. (Exchange theory).
5. Immunity . Inadequate functioning of the immune system leads to the inability of the body to properly respond to threats to health. This manifests itself through skin reactions as well. (Immune theory).

A number of reasons can be associated with the characteristics of the life of an individual:

• irrational diet;
• substance abuse (alcohol, nicotine, etc.);
• improper use of medications;
• excessive mental stress, stress;
• abrupt change in climatic conditions.

Symptoms and stages

1. Initial.

At the initial stage, separate psoriatic manifestations are noticeable on the arms, abdomen, back or other parts: small papules, pinkish, with a shiny and smoothed surface. These are point manifestations, over time there is an increase in their number and places of localization.

1. Progressive.

At this stage, peeling of the skin is added to the symptoms - at first in the central part of the papules, which gradually grow, forming a pink corolla. The shape of the areas damaged by the disease gradually acquires a different configuration (Kebner's symptom). There is an occurrence of itching. The duration of the stage is about 2 weeks.

1. Stationary.

In terms of duration, it does not have specific deadlines - after a while it can move to the next stage (4th, regression), or return to the previous one (3rd, progressive). New elements on the skin cease to appear, the growth of existing plaques slows down, stops altogether.

1. Regressive.

The stage completes the cycle of the disease - the peeling disappears, the plaques become flat, lose their bulge. Skin tissues, as a rule, do not atrophy and do not form scars. Although disease-prone areas lose pigment (discoloration), this disappears over time.

In children

Psoriasis in children: photo (initial stage)

In adults

• general state of physical weakening of the body;
• a feeling of impotence and fatigue that does not pass;
• depression and experiencing depression.

Specific symptoms depend on the type of psoriasis and its localization on the skin. For example, on the legs, the manifestation of psoriasis is more often observed in the knees and feet. With complications, the symptoms are aggravated by swelling of the extremities.

Treatment

As a means of direct action on the affected areas, an ointment for psoriasis on the skin is applicable. It is designed to combat dry skin and the effect of "tightening". A special place is occupied by non-hormonal ointments that affect the foci of inflammation, but do not lead to an increase in hormonal levels.

Ointments for psoriasis (list and prices for them):

1. Non-hormonal effects:

1. Hormonal effects

The therapeutic effect is given faster (all of them are aimed at suppressing itching, inflammation, allergies), but there are side effects:

• hydrocartisone (entry level) - 30 rubles;
• (impact of an average level) - 350 rubles;
• (potent) - up to 80 r.

Patients are often offered a Chinese ointment that relieves psoriatic symptoms. An example is the bidirectional drug " Basiangao"- one of its components is used in the daytime, the other - at night. The composition of the ointment contains natural ingredients (Chinese lichen, earth mushroom, rhubarb, blackthorn).

Considering psoriasis treatment hydrogen peroxide , reviews are distributed depending on the therapeutic effect obtained. It, in turn, depends on the severity and type of the skin disorder itself.

Peroxide is used in 2 versions:

• externally (compresses, lotions of the affected areas);
• internally (a drop of peroxide is added to a few tablespoons of water, drunk half an hour before meals; instillation of a few drops into the nose is also applicable).

The therapeutic effect of hydrogen peroxide is effective in the first stages of psoriasis and if the disease is not running.

Treatment of psoriasis with folk remedies at home

Of the folk remedies, the most effective are called:

• tar (effective in the initial stages of dermatosis, relieves inflammation);

Be sure to keep track of what the patient's diet. The diet should provide for a balance of nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) and not disturb the metabolic characteristics of the patient. Natural allergens contained in food should be completely excluded.

It is important to remember that the treatment of psoriasis should be comprehensive. Its duration is determined both by the depth of damage to the body and the stage of development.

Video:

Despite the fact that psoriasis is a common and long-known disease, it has not yet been fully studied. And patients most often do not know at all that psoriasis is not a bacterial infection or a fungus, but a non-standard reaction of the immune system, provoked by unknown causes. Information about the causes and symptoms of psoriasis will be very useful to patients, as they will help to defeat the disease.

What is this disease?

Lichen scaly is another name for psoriasis, and this name perfectly characterizes this disease. Psoriasis is manifested by the formation of inflamed plaques of different sizes on the skin, they are densely covered with thick skin scales.

Surely, almost everyone has heard about such a disease as psoriasis. And this is not surprising, since scaly lichen is quite widespread. This disease is diagnosed in 4-10% of the world's population. Moreover, statisticians who collect information about the prevalence of psoriasis claim that the number of patients is steadily growing.

Known scaly deprive people since ancient times, even doctors in ancient Greece tried to treat this disease. The modern history of the study of psoriasis has about 150 years. But over this fairly solid period, researchers have not been able to learn much about the causes and treatment of psoriasis.

Widespread prevalence, uncertainty of etiology (causes of appearance), insufficiently effective treatment - all this characterizes psoriasis as one of the most difficult problems of dermatology.

Today, dermatologists consider psoriasis as a complex systemic disease associated with disorders in the functioning of the immune system, with the failure of metabolic processes and the appearance of trophic disorders. The result of these failures are specific changes in the skin.

Therefore, when answering the question of what psoriasis is, a modern dermatologist will answer that these are violations of trophism and metabolic processes in the skin caused by a malfunction in the functioning of body systems. Today, two theories about the etiology of psoriasis are considered the most likely: genetic and viral.

• The genetic theory has many supporters, since psoriasis often acts as a hereditary or familial dermatosis. A thorough study of the patient's family history in 60-80% confirms the presence of psoriasis in one form or another in the patient's relatives. However, in some patients it is not possible to confirm the fact of the hereditary origin of psoriasis. This circumstance is the reason for the allocation of these cases to a special group, in which the main cause is not genetic, but phenotypic failures.
• The viral theory, according to which psoriasis develops as a result of infection, has its supporters. Confirmation of information about the viral origin of psoriasis is the detection of antibodies in the blood of patients, as well as "elementary bodies" in the cells of the epidermis. According to this theory, psoriasis develops not only in case of infection with a virus, but also in the presence of certain conditions.

There are other theories that explain the appearance of psoriasis. For example, endocrine, neurogenic, metabolic, etc. Naturally, all these theories are not without foundation and their study allows us to obtain more important information about the disease psoriasis. However, today it is already known for sure that the state of the endocrine and nervous systems, as well as the work of the digestive tract, do not cause psoriasis, but have a significant impact on the course of this disease.

For example, pathologies affecting the liver lead to the fact that the quality of blood purification carried out by this organ is greatly reduced. And this, in turn, can provoke the appearance of various skin manifestations, including psoriasis.

Pathologies affecting the liver (hepatitis, primary cirrhosis, etc.) lead to the fact that the tissues of this organ are reborn, that is, the liver is gradually replaced by connective tissue. As a result, the liver ceases to cope with its cleansing functions. Outwardly, this is manifested by yellowing of the mucous membranes and skin, and possibly more developed skin diseases, including psoriasis.

There is also an inverse relationship, psoriasis is often accompanied by fatty degeneration that affects the liver. Therefore, in the treatment of this skin disease, it is important to follow a diet so as not to unnecessarily burden the liver. Patients are advised to limit fatty foods, completely eliminate alcohol.

Thus, despite numerous studies, it was not possible to obtain an exact answer to the question of what psoriasis is. However, work continues, so there is a chance that the mystery of this mysterious disease will be solved, and we will learn a lot about the skin disease psoriasis.

Classification according to the international system

The disease psoriasis manifests itself in various forms. To make it easier for specialists to navigate, the generally accepted classification of psoriasis is used.

Psoriasis has also been included in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). To date, the 10th revision of the international registry of diseases is already in use, therefore the abbreviation ICD 10 is used. Work began on the 10th revision of the international classifier of diseases in 1983, and completed in 1987.

In fact, ICD 10 is a standard assessment tool used in medicine and the field of health management. The 10th revision of the handbook is used to monitor the prevalence of various diseases and other health problems in the population.

Using version 10 of the ICD, you can compare data on morbidity and mortality in different countries, which allows you to extract statistical data and systematize diagnostic information. By agreement of WHO members, ICD 10 is used to assign codes to various diseases. In version 10 of the classifier, alphanumeric codes are adopted, with the help of which it is convenient to store information in electronic form.

All types of psoriasis are included in the ICD 10, and each of them is assigned a specific code. In dermatology, the following forms and types of psoriasis are distinguished:

• Common psoriasis(synonyms: vulgar, simple, plaque-like). The disease was assigned an ICD 10 code - L-40.0. This is the most common form, it occurs in 80-90% of patients. The main symptoms are the formation of plaques raised above the surface of the unchanged skin, covered with white-gray scales of the skin. This form is characterized by slight flaking of scales. After their removal, inflamed red skin opens, which is very easily injured and begins to bleed. As the inflammatory process progresses, plaques can increase significantly in size.
• Reverse psoriasis. This is a disease that affects the skin folds (flexion surfaces). For this form of the disease, ICD 10 adopted the code L83-4. Dermatosis appears with the formation of folds of smooth or minimally flaky spots on the skin. The condition worsens when the skin is injured by friction. The disease is often complicated by an associated streptococcal infection or fungus.
• Guttate psoriasis. This form of psoriasis is characterized by the formation on the skin of a large number of small spots of red or purple, shaped like water droplets. According to the 10th version of the international classifier, such a disease received the code L4. Most often, guttate psoriasis affects the skin of the legs, but rashes can occur on other parts of the body. At the same time, it is known about guttate psoriasis that it develops as a complication after streptococcal infections - pharyngitis, tonsillitis, etc.
• Pustular or exudative psoriasis- this is a severe cutaneous form, according to ICD 10 it is assigned the code L1-3 and L 40.82. It is characterized by the formation of blisters or pustules. The skin in the foci is edematous, red, inflamed, easily exfoliates. If a fungus or bacteria penetrates into the pustules, the contents of the pustules become purulent. Pustular psoriasis often affects the distal extremities, but in the most severe cases, it is possible to develop a generalized process with the spread of rashes throughout the body.
• Arthritis psoriatic or arthropathic psoriasis. According to version 10 of the ICD pathology, the code L5 was assigned. Manifested by inflammation of the joints. Arthropathic psoriasis can affect all types of joints, but in most cases, the joints on the phalanges of the toes and hands become inflamed. The knee, hip, or shoulder joints may be affected. Lesions can be so severe that they lead to disability of the patient. Therefore, you should not think about psoriasis that this disease is exclusively skin. Severe varieties of psoriasis can lead to systemic lesions, disability or even death of the patient.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis. A rare but severe variety of psoriasis, according to ICD 10, this disease received the code L85. Erythrodermic psoriasis often manifests itself in a generalized manner, the entire or almost entire surface of the skin can enter the affected area. The disease is accompanied by severe itching, swelling, soreness.
• Onychodystrophy psoriatica or nail psoriasis. According to version 10 of the ICD, the disease was assigned the code L86. Pathology is manifested by changes in the appearance of the nails on the toes and hands. Nails can change color, become thicker, begin to break down. Perhaps the complete loss of nails.

In psoriasis, the classification of the disease takes into account not only the types of the disease, but also the severity of the symptoms:

• limited psoriasis is a disease in which less than 20% of the skin is affected;
• widespread psoriasis affects more than 20% of the body surface;
• with the defeat of almost the entire surface of the skin, we are talking about universal psoriasis.

If we consider all types of the disease, then common psoriasis is more common than other forms.

Flow stages

Limited or widespread psoriasis in its course goes through three stages: progressive, stable and regressing.

For the progressive stage of psoriasis is characterized by the following:

• the appearance of new rashes;
• growth of pre-existing plaques;
• the appearance of new elements of the rash at the site of skin injuries (scratches, abrasions);
• profuse desquamation of existing plaques.

For the stationary stage of psoriasis, the following symptoms are characteristic:

• lack of appearance of new elements;
• moderate peeling of elements;
• no signs of element growth.

The appearance of folds in the stratum corneum around the elements is a sign of the transition of the stationary stage to the regressing one.

The following types of symptoms are characteristic of the regression stage:

• reduction in the intensity of peeling;
• element resolution.

After the resolution of psoriatic plaques, hypo- or hyperpigmented spots remain in their place.

For scaly lichen is characterized by a long course with periodic exacerbations. There are the following types of psoriasis:

• winter (with exacerbation in autumn and winter);
• summer (with exacerbations in the warm period);
• off-season psoriasis is the most severe variety, since there is no clear relationship between relapses and seasons of the year, periods of remission may be practically absent.

Features of diagnostics

If psoriasis has a typical clinical picture, then the diagnosis will not be so difficult. However, this disease is often disguised as other pathologies.

For example, psoriasis of the nails is often mistaken for nail fungus, since the external manifestations at an early stage of these diseases are very similar. However, the fungus and nail psoriasis have a completely different nature, so the treatment should be different.

A layman can mistake for a fungus and skin psoriasis. Since skin mycoses (skin fungus) are manifested by similar symptoms - the formation of scaly plaques. Therefore, having noticed suspicious symptoms on the body or nails, you do not need to self-diagnose yourself and read to treat the fungus using pharmacy or folk remedies.

If the diagnosis is erroneous, and in fact, the cause of the symptoms is not a fungus, but psoriasis, then the treatment will not bring benefits, but, on the contrary, will aggravate the symptoms.

When contacting a dermatologist, an analysis will be made for the fungus, a scraping from the nail or skin will be taken. Then the resulting material is placed in nutrient media. If the fungus is present in the material, then a large colony will grow in the test sample in a few days. By the appearance of the material, it will be possible to understand what type of fungus provoked the infection.

Sometimes psoriasis is complicated by the addition of secondary infections, it can be a bacterial infection or a fungus. Therefore, patients with a change in the clinical picture (appearance of purulent discharge, discoloration of plaques, etc.) will have to be periodically tested for fungus and other infectious agents.

In the process of diagnosis, a certain role is assigned to the totality of phenomena, which are called the psoriatic triad. Phenomena appear sequentially, when scraping the element of the rash.

The psoriatic triad manifests itself as follows:

• when scraping the element of the rash, the scales are removed in the form of “chips”;
• after removing the chips, a thin transparent film similar to polyethylene opens;
• when the film is damaged, spot bleeding opens.

A dermatologist diagnoses psoriasis, but if necessary, the doctor can refer the patient for consultations to other specialists - a rheumatologist, gastroenterologist, surgeon, etc.

People have known about the disease psoriasis since ancient times. Even the very name of the disease came into our language from ancient Greek. During the prosperity of Ancient Hellas, the word "psora" denoted all skin diseases that are manifested by peeling and itching.

The first person to write a detailed treatise on psoriasis was a Roman named Cornelius Celsus. In the fifth volume of his work "De medicina" there is an extensive chapter devoted to this disease.

In Ancient Russia, they knew about psoriasis, but this disease was not unambiguously assessed, since it was called either “imperial” or “devilish” disease.

Of course, the ancient healers knew very little about psoriasis. Until the 19th century, this disease was often mixed with other skin ailments. First

psoriasis was isolated as an independent nosological form in 1799. This was done by the English dermatologist Robert Willan, who singled out psoriasis from a large group of skin diseases that are manifested by itching and flaking.

Not only ordinary people, but also prominent political figures knew about psoriasis firsthand. For example, Winston Churchill, who suffered from this disease, promised to erect a solid gold monument to a man who could learn everything about psoriasis and offer an effective treatment for this disease.

Modern ideas about the disease

It must be said that modern science does not know enough about this mysterious disease. There are various theories about the origin, course and treatment of psoriasis.

Here are the facts about psoriasis that do not cause doubts among specialists:

• despite the fact that the causes of the disease are unclear, it was possible to learn about the nature of psoriasis. This disease is autoimmune, that is, it is caused by a malfunction of the immune system;
• Another established fact about psoriasis is that the disease can be inherited. However, this is not always the case, even if both parents are sick, the risk of developing the disease in their child is 65%. At the same time, some patients develop psoriasis, although none of their relatives are sick;
• An interesting fact about psoriasis is that this disease is characterized by the Koebner phenomenon. This phenomenon manifests itself in the fact that the elements of the rash form at the sites of skin damage - scratches, burns, frostbite. Sometimes psoriasis appears after some time, at the site of scars;
• An important observation that allows you to get more information about psoriasis is the relationship of this disease with climatic factors. Exacerbations and relapses are often timed to coincide with the change of season;
• Patients probably noticed in practice the connection between exacerbations and stress. All patients should know for sure that the disease recurs or worsens its course against the background of nervous tension and experiences;
• a new fact about psoriasis is that the disease can debut at any age, although it was previously believed that psoriasis manifests itself after 30;
• It is important for all people to know that psoriasis is not a contagious disease. Even with close contact with the patient, there is no risk of infection;
• almost everyone has heard about the incurability of psoriasis, and this is true, since no treatment has been found that could be guaranteed to defeat the disease. But patients should know that psoriasis can be controlled. Adequate and timely treatment allows to achieve long-term remission.

Modern methods of treatment

Speaking about the common disease psoriasis, it is impossible not to talk about the treatment of this common ailment. It must be said that it is impossible to cure psoriasis only with pills or ointments.

In order to forget about the manifestations of psoriasis for a long time, the patient, in close cooperation with the doctor, will need to make an effort. It will be necessary to organize food properly. Some experts argue that you can forget about psoriasis forever only with the help of a properly composed diet and regular cleansing of the body.

The doctor will draw up a preliminary scheme according to which the treatment will take place. As a rule, methods of external (ointments, creams) and systemic (tablets, injections) therapy are used. In addition, physiotherapeutic methods will be used, as well as treatment at resorts. It is recommended to treat psoriasis with the use of healing mud, mineral and thermal water.

The resorts can also offer non-traditional methods of treatment. For example, with the help of fish that live in thermal springs. These little healers effectively remove dead skin flakes and disinfect the skin, helping it to heal faster.

Other methods of treating scaly lichen may be offered at resorts. For example, leech therapy, healing baths and applications, sun treatment, etc.

You will need to be prepared for the fact that the treatment regimen will change periodically. Since not all methods are suitable for a particular patient. If the chosen methods of treatment do not work, they will need to be replaced.

Popular methods of treating psoriasis are also widely advertised. Indeed, some of them can help in achieving remission. However, when choosing a method, you need to remember common sense so as not to harm your health. If any recipe or recommendation is in doubt, then it is better not to use it. Before using any method of treatment, consult your doctor.

You need to understand that it will be possible to forget about psoriasis forever only if the patient himself and his inner circle are positive. Only faith in success and an optimistic attitude will help defeat this mysterious and insidious disease.

Psoriasis is classified as a skin disease. On the body it appears in the form of red spots. The skin is flaky, itchy. Deteriorates appearance. Brings discomfort. In the photo of psoriasis on the body, extensive rashes in the form of red plaques with jagged edges are visible. They can cover large areas of the skin.

Causes of psoriasis

Occurs in various parts of the body. Lesions can be significant. The history of the emergence of doctors raises many questions. Many are inclined to believe that a person may have a genetic predisposition, a malfunction of the immune system, a violation of hormonal balance and metabolism, which serve as an impetus for its onset.

Other reasons are seen in nervous breakdowns and shocks, disorders of the hematopoietic organs, trauma, pregnancy, the use of chemicals for the home.

The disease can occur in young children, causing controversy over causes at such an early age.

Symptoms of psoriasis

What are the first signs of psoriasis on the body?

Initially, reddish papules form. They peel off. They affect small areas that can grow over time. Complicated and cause disruption of the work of many organs. They cause damage to the skin and can become infected.

They are located on different parts of the body. If left untreated, psoriasis affects the nails. The specialist must make a diagnosis and prescribe medication.

Diagnosis and treatment

Signs do not always allow making the correct diagnosis, a comprehensive examination and laboratory tests will be able to determine the cause of the disease and correctly select the method of treatment.

The complex of measures should include skin restoration. Fast and effective treatment of psoriasis is impossible without the regulation of metabolism with the use of drugs and vitamin complexes.

Recovery also depends on the state of the psyche. Psychological relief and restoration of the emotional state are shown.

What is the best way to treat psoriasis on the body?

The appointments include antihistamines, various ointments and lotions. The disease tends to come back, so the use of some drugs is possible during remission.

To restore the nervous system, motherwort tincture is used. To improve sleep, they drink valerian tincture, drugs with a sedative effect. If there is an infection, antibiotics are prescribed.

Naproxen and Ibuprofen ointments bring relief, which relieve swelling and itching. The composition of the ointments should include sulfur and salicylic acid. Let's apply Diprosalik and Fluorocort.

Calcium gluconate is used for injections. The course of the disease is accompanied by dry skin, which is removed with moisturizers. Plaques are removed with sulfuric ointments. Having reached stabilization, use ichthyol ointment and tar.

Reduces recovery time taking vitamins and minerals. If the joints are damaged, paraffin wraps are necessary.

Patients with this disease should lead a proper lifestyle, eat well, and not drink alcohol. Spicy, fatty and smoked foods must be removed from the diet.

Folk remedies for psoriasis

Treatment of psoriasis on the body at home is combined with folk remedies. Showing baths with celandine, needles, string. The sage helps. Use sea salt and soda, which cleanse the skin well. After water procedures, it is necessary to apply moisturizing creams.

They drink tinctures from chamomile flowers, St. John's wort and violets. Cowberry leaves, calendula flowers are used. The tincture is taken daily. Treat the surface of the body with tar. Make wraps from medicinal herbs. Aloe juice with honey, chaga helps well.

A proven way to treat with butter with yolk and vinegar. Such an ointment is kept for a week and the foci are often lubricated.

Helps sea water and solar procedures. The treatment process is long. Many experts consider the disease incurable. Relapses are possible.

All these measures can facilitate the course of the disease, prevent further rashes on the skin, cleanse and improve its surface. Folk remedies are combined with long-term drug treatment. Regular consultations with specialists are necessary.

Photo of psoriasis on the body

Mankind in the modern world knows a lot of skin diseases, and one of these is psoriasis. According to statistics, only three percent of the world's population is affected by this disease. So what is psoriasis? In order to recognize it in time, you need to know the symptoms and causes of psoriasis.

What is psoriasis

Sometimes it happens that people do not have the main signs of skin psoriasis in the form of red plaques, then it is much more difficult to recognize it. Often with psoriasis, itching of the skin occurs. Psoriasis often occurs on the scalp, knees, and the outer surface of the elbow. Less commonly, spots can occur on other parts of the body.

Psoriasis is a non-infectious skin disease characterized by light pink inflammation in the form of spots and white scaly scales.

This is the collective name for skin diseases during which specific symptoms are detected. Psoriasis refers specifically to such a disease with severe inflammation on sensitive skin.

Psoriasis is a non-infectious (it is not contagious) disease that has a chronic form. Appearing reddish spots appear under the name psoriatic plaques. Such spots are a sign of chronic inflammation. They talk about the redundancy of the proliferation of lymphocytes and macrophages of the skin.

Also, small capillaries appear excessively on the skin. The reasons mentioned above entail an impressive compaction and itching at the sites of inflammation. The affected skin thickens and slightly rises, and pale pinkish or reddish spots of different shades form. They peel and itch.

Psoriatic spots

Inflamed patches may appear on sensitive scalp, on the inside of the palms and wrists, on the feet and in the genital area. . Psoriatic spots or, as they are called otherwise, plaques usually form for the first time on those places that are regularly rubbed with clothes - elbows and knees, especially their folds, lower back and outer thigh.

Psoriasis is a disease that can be compared to the tides of waves. It has an undulating course: with it, remissions and exacerbations caused by various circumstances are not excluded. Such circumstances can be excessive drinking of drinks containing alcohol, the appearance of various infections and stressful conditions that provoke the emergence of new inflammations. Remission is achieved through systematic and correct therapy.

The form of the severity of the disease

The disease is completely different not only in different people, but also in one. For example, a person exposed to stress or other causes that provoke an exacerbation can completely become covered with reddish spots of psoriasis. Psoriasis does not necessarily affect the entire body; the disease sometimes spreads locally to specific areas of the skin.

With a lack of correct and timely therapy, the disease intensifies and occupies a large affected area. In different people, the disease goes differently: sometimes it is continuous, without obvious progress and remissions. In severe cases, even the nails are affected. In a severe course of the disease, joint problems may appear, caused by inflammatory processes and called arthropathy.

Causes of psoriasis

In the world, reliable causes of psoriasis are still unknown. Inflammation can occur due to malfunctions of the immune system in the human body, due to stressful situations and impaired metabolism.

Many scientists believe that the appearance of psoriasis is due to a genetic factor. It is generally accepted that psoriasis in a child under ten years of age is a heredity in which a non-communicable disease manifests itself. If the disease manifests itself in adulthood, this indicates that psoriasis has arisen due to some kind of virus or infection.

Factors whose presence in life can lead to psoriasis:

• Long stressful conditions;
• Thin skin prone to dryness;
• Habits detrimental to health (most often alcohol abuse);
• Various infectious diseases (fungi, staphylococcus aureus)
• Excessive hygiene of the skin;
• hereditary predisposition;
• External irritating factors, poor ecology;
• Disturbed metabolism, which affects the regeneration of the skin;
• Failure in the functions of the endocrine system (as a rule, they are hormonal disruptions);
• The appearance of allergies;
• liver disease;
• Colitis, enteritis, dysbacteriosis (all kinds of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract).

Psoriasis is not a contagious disease in which a person must be isolated. If you have had direct contact with a carrier of the disease, it's okay, psoriasis will not be transmitted to you.

Damage to the function of the barrier of the skin occupies a serious place in the exacerbation of the disease. Any injury or irritation, friction, abuse of soap and shower gels (excessive hygiene), regular contact with harmful household chemicals that cause skin irritation can spoil such a barrier. Also, dry skin leads to a thinning of the protective barrier.

Psoriasis is an idiosyncratic disease with recognizable skin rashes. According to people prone to psoriasis, foci of inflammation can suddenly increase or, on the contrary, become smaller for no apparent reason.

stress in psoriasis

It is worth remembering that often occur after a stressful state. Stress can be both physical and psychological. Symptoms may appear after various skin lesions in places where primary plaques have arisen. Symptoms of psoriasis can occur in a person who has had an infection. Conditions that provoke this disease: chronic infections, acute, severe stress, climatic temperature changes.

Alcohol abuse, smoking, overweight, unhealthy diet complicate the course of the disease. Treatment of psoriasis becomes difficult. All these conditions cause exacerbations, the area of ​​the affected skin increases. Various decorative cosmetics with individually intolerable components can exacerbate psoriasis. You should carefully read the labels on products, especially on products that are intended for the skin: creams, gels, lotions, etc.

People who suffer from HIV infection or AIDS are often prone to psoriasis. Such a disease in sick people with HIV and especially with AIDS is quite difficult, difficult to treat. Often in such cases, standard therapy is ineffective.

Most often, psoriasis occurs in women, not men. Also, this disease manifests itself in people with thin dry skin. People with oily and well-moisturized skin rarely suffer from this condition. It is generally accepted that sebum is a barrier that protects the skin from the bacteria that cause psoriasis, and dry skin with minimal sebum secretion does not have such a barrier. Therefore, psoriasis often manifests itself in areas of the skin that are subject to friction and chemical attack by substances (dishwashing detergents, etc.).

For people with psoriasis, in order to avoid dry skin, it is recommended not to use washcloths when washing and hard scrubs with large granules. Such granules damage the skin and disrupt its protective function. Scrubs leave small scratches and “rip off” the topmost thin layer of skin from the skin. Hard scrubs scrape off sebum, which moisturizes the skin, so the skin dries out unnecessarily, which is not supposed to be with psoriasis.

Doctors recommend using products that nourish and moisturize sensitive skin. The category of such products includes nourishing lotions that help in the work of the sebaceous glands. It is highly undesirable to use soap, which dries the skin very much and causes peeling. Washing dishes is worth wearing special gloves, because. this will allow the skin not to come into contact with dishwashing detergents, which can also provoke illness.

Psoriasis is not considered a contagious disease, such a disease is non-infectious. If more than one person in the family suffers from psoriasis, this is due to the fact that the disease can be inherited.

Symptoms of psoriasis

The exact causes of psoriasis on the body have not been established, but its symptoms can be identified and timely treatment can begin. The most common symptoms of skin psoriasis are:

• Feeling itchy;
• Possible pain in the joints, tk. psoriasis sometimes affects them too, causing the so-called;
• The main symptom of psoriasis is plaque. Small rashes in the course of the disease are filled with fluid, opened. In their place, crusts appear that have a light shade. Sometimes a yellowish coating is formed;
• Possible bleeding from psoriatic patches.

Psoriasis of the skin becomes inflamed not only directly on the skin, but also on the nails. Although such cases are much less common, and the occurrence of psoriasis on the nail plates indicates a severe form of the disease. Due to psoriasis, pain in the joints and bones, in the spine and tendons is exacerbated.

The disease provokes disturbances in different systems of the body, namely in the immune and in the nervous. Also, disturbances in the endocrine system are not uncommon. With this type of disease, the kidneys, liver and thyroid gland are susceptible to various failures. A person suffering from psoriasis suffers from severe weakness, chronic fatigue and low mood, which can turn into more severe depression.

Psoriasis began to be called psoriatic disease, because. it entails various consequences unrelated to the skin.

Skin psoriasis is characterized by a persistent rash that looks like reddish scaly patches. Such spots are not large, most often it does not exceed three centimeters, but the problem lies in the fact that such spots can grow together randomly, affecting large areas of the skin.

Usually the first plaques appear on the skin, on which there is frequent friction due to flexion of the limbs. Therefore, spots first of all appear on the inside of the knees. They also appear on the head and palms. The skin on the hands often dries out more than the skin on other parts of the body. This is due to contact with various harmful substances, for example, due to aggressive detergents.

Treatment of psoriasis

When we figured out what psoriasis is and how it manifests itself, we can start treating it. Unfortunately, psoriasis is not completely cured, but you can go into a long remission, in which new plaques will not form on the skin. For successful therapy, it is extremely necessary to take into account the factor in which stage the disease is currently occurring.

In connection with these factors, the main treatment is prescribed. Therapy of the disease is not always done with one remedy. To do this, you need to use various drugs:, physiotherapy procedures, a general regimen to maintain remission. It is important not to forget about other possible diseases, the age of the patient, his gender, various professional factors and health in general.

Severe form

In severe illness(more than twenty percent of the body is affected), or if topical ointment treatment fails, serious medical therapy is often recommended. It consists of cytostatics, synthetic retinoids and glucocorticoids.

It is also possible to treat the disease without the use of known medical drugs. Such therapy is characterized by the use of cryotherapy, plasmapheresis. Popular among patients with psoriasis is photochemotherapy.

Photochemotherapy is the use of ultraviolet radiation in which the patient also takes pills that increase their sensitivity to light. This treatment increases melanin, the skin pigment.

This is important: such drugs can be selected only with your doctor. When selecting medicines, weight and other individual characteristics are taken into account. Such procedures are carried out more than four times a week, depending on the severity of psoriasis. As a rule, the course of treatment consists of twenty-five sessions. Such therapy has various contraindications, so it is very important to discuss other existing diseases with a doctor. Based on this, he will select medicines and treatment.

Light form

For mild psoriasis, alternative or alternative medicine methods are sometimes used.

With a simple form of psoriasis, when small areas of the skin are affected, sometimes only ointments are enough. In the modern world, there are those that can be purchased at a pharmacy.

For example, salicylic ointment softens skin flakes, which helps to exfoliate dry, affected spots. Such an ointment helps other drugs to be better absorbed into the skin, which means that it makes them more effective for treatment.

Sulfur-tar ointment reduces severe inflammation that causes unpleasant itching. The ointment has various indications that it is advisable to familiarize yourself with so as not to worsen the course of the disease. This ointment should not be used on the face. For the scalp, there are tar products.

Anthralin is a special ointment that effectively reduces skin flaking. It is applied for only one hour, and then thoroughly washed off the skin.

Ointments for psoriasis with vitamin D have anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces the symptoms of psoriasis. The ointment is applied to the affected areas twice a day.

When the therapy prescribed to the patient is ineffective, it is recommended to use external agents that contain hormones. Treatment begins with light drugs. As a rule, side effects are minimal, which is extremely important for exacerbated psoriasis. If the treatment does not bring effect and relief, you should pay attention to more serious ointments containing glucocorticosteroids.

Flumethasone is an anti-inflammatory agent. It is also antiallergic. Therapy with such an ointment lasts no more than two weeks, it is applied twice a day and is effective in severe forms, when psoriatic patches bleed and cause extreme discomfort.

Hydrocortisone reduces active white blood cells and prevents them from entering the skin. This ointment effectively suppresses dry skin, its tightness, and also removes the sensation of itching.

Triamcinolone acetonide is an effective anti-inflammatory agent. It does not cause allergies and well reduces itching. Psoriatic plaques when applying the ointment are less wet. As a rule, this ointment is often used during periods when foci of inflammation increase. The duration of therapy is prescribed by the doctor, but most often it is two weeks. Triamcinolone is applied twice a day to the affected areas of the skin.